Windows 10 1809 - Mandatory User Profiles and Apps

Question

Hello,

Windows 10 Enterprise 1809

We have always used 'Mandatory User Profiles' for our staff to reduce login times, standardize software configuration settings and present them with a standard desktop. I'd like to continue this practice and create 'Windows 10' mandatory user profiles but can already see a huge hurdle because of the 'Windows 10' apps that make up the majority of the 'Start Menu' tiles.

Because these apps are provisioned when a user first logs on to a computer and injected into their locally cached profile, it can cause rather long first logon times. I also don't want this provisioning to occur every time they log on to the same computer or access a different one in the network due to the fact they are using a mandatory user profile.

What can I do when creating a 'Windows 10' mandatory user profile to stop the default apps (most of which aren't needed) being included and following the user around?

Any help gratefully received.

Kind regards,

Glen

Answer 1

Hi,
From start menu perspective, start layout (right button in your screenshot) could be customized:

1. Create a custom Windows 10 Start Menu
2. Export start menu via powershell command export-startlayout
3. Import .xml file via GPO

Kindly check the details of guidance:
Customize and export Start layout
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/customize-and-export-start-layout

Customize Windows 10 Start and taskbar with Group Policy
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/customize-windows-10-start-screens-by-using-group-policy

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Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.

Thanks,
Jenny